NB: as of 23 September 2008, all new artSMart articles are being published on the site news.artsmart.co.za.

GUMBO
(article first published : 2008-01-3)

Presented by The Theatre – St Anne’s College and from the hip: khulumakahle (FTH:K), Gumbo will run at this Hilton venue from January 30 and 31, 2008.

Devised by the Company under the direction of Tanya Surtees and written by Rob Murray and Floss Adams, Gumbo has been described as a “…unique theatrical experience…” (Cape Times) This is an endearing and highly amusing production which will leave you humbled by the triumph over disability.

Winner of a number of prestigious awards, Gumbo is created and performed by a company of Deaf and hearing theatre makers through an enthralling blend of clowning, haunting imagery, physical theatre and South African Sign Language. Gumbo delivers a unique glimpse of South African society today, couched in an entertaining modern fairytale about finding one’s place in the world.

Tackling themes of acceptance and rejection, and as South Africa’s first full-length Deaf and hearing integrated show, Gumbo is an important milestone in theatrical history. Tragicomic, at times rough, at times delicately poignant and fragile, the work strongly promotes a unique vision of integration and accessibility.

FTH:K is a multi-award-winning theatre and education company that aims to revolutionize the South African Theatre industry through the development of Deaf and hearing performer-creators. From theatre training programmes run at Deaf schools, to the Integrated Deaf and Hearing Professional Development Programme and professional theatre productions which include the award-winning Birds’ Eye View, Leap of Faith, the acclaimed Water Pockets, Imbew’embi: The Bad Seed, and Touch Wood, FTH:K is unique in the South African theatre landscape.

Gumbo runs at The Theatre – St Anne’s College on January 30 and 31 at 19h30. Booking at 033 343 3300.